
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, the shift lever was not fully locked
into P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the
driver seat. To find out how, seeShifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission) on page 3-31.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
(Automatic Transmission)
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the brake pedal
before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition
is ON/RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 3-21.
3-32

The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
•Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always functional
except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 6-43for more information.
To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have the
vehicle serviced.
Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, before you get
out of the vehicle, move the shift lever into R (Reverse),
and firmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift
lever has been placed into R (Reverse) with the clutch
pedal pressed in, turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key and release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if the vehicle is pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 5-48.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{WARNING:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
3-33

Engine Exhaust
{WARNING:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
•The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
•The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
•The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion
or damage.
•The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
•There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modifications that are not completely sealed.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
•Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
•Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
WARNING: (Continued)
3-34

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it
for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you.
Push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for
nighttime use.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See
your dealer/retailer for more information on the system
and how to subscribe to OnStar. See the OnStar
®
owners guide for more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Adjust this type of mirror to avoid glare from the
headlamps behind you by turning the knob
counterclockwise for nighttime driving and clockwise for
daytime driving.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a
soft towel dampened with water.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside
rearview mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare of
lights from behind the vehicle.
The mirror may also have OnStar
®and/or a compass
and outside temperature display.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the
bottom of the mirror. See the OnStar®owners guide for
more information about the services OnStar®provides.
SeeCompass on page 3-37for more information
about the compass display. See “Temperature Display”
after, for more information about the outside
temperature display.
AUTO/
(/O(On/Off):Press and hold AUTO /(for
about three seconds or depending on the mirror,
press
Oto turn automatic dimming on or off.
The automatic dimming feature comes on and the
indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
3-36

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel.....................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................4-10
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-12
Fog Lamps ..................................................4-12
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................4-13
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-13
Dome Lamp .................................................4-13
Dome Lamp Override....................................4-14
Exit Lighting.................................................4-14
Electric Power Management...........................4-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-16Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-18
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-19
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-20
Trip Odometer..............................................4-20
Tachometer.................................................4-20
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-21
Airbag Readiness Light.................................
.4-22
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-23
Charging System Light..................................4-24
Up-Shift Light...............................................4-24
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-25
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-26
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................4-26
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-27
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-28
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-31
Security Light...............................................4-32
Cruise Control Light......................................4-32
Highbeam On Light.......................................4-32
Fuel Gage...................................................4-32
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

Driver Information Center (DIC).......................4-33
DIC Operation and Displays...........................4-33
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................4-37
Audio System(s).............................................4-42
Setting the Clock..........................................4-43
Radio(s)......................................................4-43
Using an MP3..............................................4-56XM Radio Messages.....................................4-60
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................4-61
Radio Reception...........................................4-61
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................4-63
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............4-63
Chime Level Adjustment................................4-63
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-2

Instrument Panel Overview
Hazard Warning Flashers
|(Hazard Warning Flasher):Press this button
located on the instrument panel, to make the front and
rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. This warns
others that you are having trouble.
Press
|again to turn the flashers off.
The turn signals do not work while the hazard warning
flashers are on.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on the
steering wheel pad.
Tilt Wheel
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever
toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down into a
comfortable position.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
4-3

Move the band to one of the following positions:
8(Mist):Single wipe, move the band tozand then
release it. Several wipes, hold the band on
zlonger.
N(Adjustable Interval Wipes):For a delayed wiping
cycle. Turn the band up for more frequent wipes or
down for less frequent wipes.
6(Low Speed):Slow wipes, turn the band to the
first solid position past the delay settings.
1(High Speed):Fast wipes, turn the band to the
second solid position past the delay settings.
9(Off):Turns the wipers off.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using
them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or
thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced.
Windshield Washer
{WARNING:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
QL(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked
with the windshield washer symbol at the top of the
multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on the
windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will clear
the window and then either stop or return to your
preset speed.
4-6